The Proper Skincare Routine

Okay, ladies! Back to the skincare basics! I have been getting a lot of questions and concerns about what steps to include in your everyday routine. It is a very simple 4-5 step process. And, once you have mastered these simple steps, branch out and expand your products and routine to really reach your skin’s full glow potential. 😉

Step One: CLEANSE! without stating the obvious – this is your first step. to be done twice daily. (once in the AM, once in the PM) select your cleanser wisely, based on your skin type. try to stay with the same brand or cleanser type (gel, creme, oil etc.) gradually introduce new cleansers when you are looking to switch. although forgivable, our skin can be very sensitive when exposed to new products. try to maintain the same cleanser for no less than 2-3 months. likewise – give yourself time to actually see results! scientifically speaking, our skin cell turnover rate (the rate at which newer skin cells surface to reproduce new, glowing skin) on average, varies anywhere from 28-45 days, depending on your age. so be patient! last but certainly not least – BODY SOAP IS NOT A CLEANSER!!!! do some research, browse through your local drugstore and explore all the options for a cleanser that’s best for you and your skin.

Step Two: EXFOLIATE! on the subject of cell turnover rates – there are ways to promote and speed up that process. one of those is by exfoliating. this should be done once daily (weekly for dry skin types). you can kill two birds with one stone and choose an exfoliating cleanser if you find that, that works for you. otherwise, exfoliants can be found in liquid versions, micro-beads, scrubs etc. if you want to see the best results from your cleanser you must exfoliate. exfoliating helps to remove the excess remnants and dead skin left on the outermost layer of your skin, to make room for those new, fresh skin cells to push through. this in return, helps eliminate any infections on the surface, helps ward off wrinkles, blemishes, and impurities. i don’t know about you – but that is more than enough reason for me to include this step- sold! lastly, don’t just stop at exfoliating your face. lips, nips, kit, all require the same attention! check my “esti” board out for easy-peasy scrubs you can make right at home!

Step Three: TONE! one of the more underestimated – yet equally important steps. when we cleanse and exfoliate – we are rubbing and scrubbing- away all of our skin’s natural oils and essentials. so how do we keep our skin squeaky clean and not tear it apart in the process? you tone! toners are astringents/liquids specifically designed to re-balance our skin after cleansing. (they’re magical, if you ask me) our skin has a pH level that has to remain balanced. as ladies, we ALL know about the importance of pH levels and balances. same story here with our skin. major key. luckily, toners are very accessible, they too can be found in your local drugstores or cosmetic stores. while there is also the option of using essential oils to tone, too. tea tree oil, rosewater, or chamomile, for example. any oils that carry soothing properties work just fine. witch hazel – a more well-known product can also be used as a toner. easily apply toners with a cotton round or spray bottle – using a pat and roll motion until the skin has fully absorbed the liquid. tone each time you cleanse. ALCOHOL AND PEROXIDES ARE NOT NATURAL TONERS!

Step Four: Moisturize! By this step, your skin will more than likely feel taut or dry. it’s time to moisturize. and BODY LOTION IS NOT A FACIAL MOISTURIZER. there are plenty of moisturizers out there on the market targeted for all different skin types. consider a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid if your skin is more problematic. shoot for a lightweight/oil-free moisturizer if your skin is more on the oily side. or find one designed for dry skin if that is what your’re experiencing. moisturize each time you cleanse and tone. sidenotes: try finding a moisturizer that already contains SPF. sunscreen is to be used anytime you are outdoors. if you are using any eye creams, serums, or spot treatments – apply these prior to using your moisturizer.

Skin is the body’s LARGEST organ it is made up of mulitple layers, all of which serve as protective barriers to our bodies. Our skin works to protect us from infection, harmful chemicals, pathogens, and helps to regulate our body temperatures. It takes good care of us, so we should return the favor!

extra skincare tips & tricks:

stick to a consistent routine

diet/exercise play an important role. sweating helps to promote detoxification and eliminate any nasty bacteria’s that our body or skin does not need. diet can have a big influence on our skin. cut back on the sugars and get some more fruits, veggies, fatty fish, and nuts in your system

get your beauty sleep. that term wasn’t created for nothing! a good night’s rest really helps restore the skin and keep us looking youthful. our cell-turnover rate is also twice as fast during sleep! and don’t fall asleep with your makeup on, ladies.